Since Hanes Underwear was first introduced in 1901, Hanes has evolved from a basic line of men’s underwear to the leader in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing from socks to underwear and casual apparel.

Today 88% of US citizens buy Hanes.

1901
Pleasant (P.H.) Hanes formed P.H. Hanes Knitting Co. to produce underwear for men.
Hanes introduced new two-piece underwear, a radical departure from the traditional one-piece union suit that was popular at that time. The same year, brother J. Wesley Hanes formed Shamrock Mills Co. to produce men's hosiery.

1965
In 1965, the two Hanes companies merged to form Hanes Corporation, the first time two companies with the same name merged.

1970's
1970's In the mid 70’s, executives at Hanes Knitting discovered that their white underwear product were being screenprinted and worn as outerwear. Keith Alms of Hanes Knitwear believed there was a viable business in selling white underwear T-shirts to screenprinters.

1975
Hanes introduces a heavier-weight T-shirt, called the Hanes Beefy-T®, specifically for the screenprint industry. Later that same year, Hanes develops the "screenprinter fold" eliminating the additional cost and handling of individual packaging.